Eight days KAATSU-resistance training improved sprint but not jump performance in collegiate male track and field athletes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of short-term KAATSU-resistance training on skeletal muscle size and sprint/jump performance in college athletes. Fifteen male track and field college athletes were randomly divided into two groups: KAATSU (resistive exercise combined with blood flow restriction, n=9) and control (n=6) groups. The KAATSU group trained twice daily with squat and leg curl exercises (20% of 1-RM, 3 sets of 15 repetitions) for 8 consecutive days while both KAATSU and control groups participated in the regular sprint/jump training sessions. Maximal strength, muscle-bone CSA, mid-thigh muscle thickness (MTH), and sprint/jump performance were measured before and after the 8 days of training. The muscle-bone CSA increased 4.5% (p<0.01) in the KAATSU group but decreased 1% (p>0.05) in the control group. Quadriceps and hamstrings MTH increased (p<0.01) by 5.9% and 4.5%, respectively, in the KAATSU group but did not change in the control group. Leg press strength increased (9.6%, p<0.01) in the KAATSU group but not (4.8%, p>0.05) in the control group. Overall 30-m dash times improved (p<0.05) in the KAATSU-training group, with significant improvements (p<0.01) occurring during the initial acceleration phase (0-10m) but not in the other phases (10-20m and 20-30m). None of the jumping performances improved (p>0.05) for either the KAATSU or control groups. These data indicated that eight days of KAATSU- training improved sprint but not jump performance in collegiate male track and field athletes.